Which is better pgce or scitt

Many PGCE students have to take out additional student loans, however. And bursaries are available for some PGCE courses, but often limited to certain subjects. This can deter people straight out of university or career changers who may have to take a pay cut. Although applications are made via Ucas, schools shortlist, conduct interviews and assess the experience and skills of candidates in relation to the needs of the school. The most important element for new recruits is the school experience itself — and this is where the two courses differ more widely.

One of the benefits of School Direct is the immediate immersion in school life. Unlike a PGCE course, where you often start with lectures before going out on shorter placements, School Direct allows trainees to participate as active members of the community from the off.

Working from the of September through to July allows trainees to build lasting relationships with students and colleagues. Despite being thrown in at the deep end, trainees are gradually introduced to teaching through an initial period of observations before starting a timetable of six hours a week and finishing with 18 hours a week.

PGCE courses tend to offer two placements lasting up to two thirds of the course between them. This means you gain experience in schools and will move from a placement if it is not entirely suited to you; School Direct trainees are stuck unless they resign and leave the programme. Firstly they have two sets of school systems to get to grips with and a much shorter time to do it in. Also, you can build really strong relationships with the students you are teaching as you are there for the majority of the time, and this is one of the best parts of teaching!

Although, on the flip side, it does make it somewhat tougher to go and do six week placement in another school as you really have very little opportunity to get settled. There is also a difference between salaried and non-salaried School Direct. Now this can be advantageous as it gives you a sense of security and can, of course, be helpful when facing a particularly tough class.

It can also support you in getting regular feedback on your teaching and how to improve as someone is around to see what you are doing. So there are advantages to the PGCE route. Subjects such as maths even offer early-career payments on top! The DfE has further information on scholarships and bursaries available for this year. Think about whether you want to learn and practise in a school environment. Becoming a teacher can impact the lives of many children for the better.

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